ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
LESSON PLAN
STUDENT OBJECTIVES
Title: Zombie Autopsies
Setting: In Classroom
Subject: Biology - Neuroscience
Grade Level: 9-12
Time Frame: 1 Hour
Paired Dana Foundation Fact Sheets:
9th-12th Grade How Does the Brain Work?
Next Generation Science Standards:
Meets HS-LS1-2, HS-LS1-3
• Learn how abnormalities in the brain
affect behavior.
• Explore hypothetical zombie
neuroanatomy and how dysfunctional
brain regions impact hypothetical zombie
behavior.
• Synthesize knowledge of neurons,
neurotransmitters, and neuroanatomy to
create novel cures for the zombie brain.
BACKGROUND
This interactive lesson plan allows students to create cures to stop a Zombie Apocalypse. Teachers will learn
about and share knowledge regarding neuroanatomy, neurotransmission, and neurotransmitters. These
topics will be integrated to develop novel medications that target specific brain region abnormalities.
MATERIALS
• Printed copies of 9th-12th grade Dana Foundation fact sheet, “How Does the Brain Work?” Downloadable at
www.dana.org/factsheets.
• Skittles, 3lb bag, found on Amazon.com at www.tinyurl.com/17rcj2z8.
• Clear plastic 5oz cups, found on Amazon.com at www.tinyurl.com/1466ejdc.
• Brain diagram and neurotransmitter sheet printed out for each group, included in lesson plan.
• Zombie Autopsies 101 by PageTurnerFilms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y42jrDVge9Q
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
TEACHER BACKGROUND INFO
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TEACH
* Note: This content is primarily for the instructor’s reference; the accompanying PowerPoint presentation will be for the students.
Zombie Neuroanatomy
Frontal Lobe:
• Functions: planning, reasoning, speech, movement, and problem-solving.
• The frontal lobe is critical for executive functions such as reasoning, planning, and
problem-solving. Zombies can see and sense us, but they have a hard time using
executive functions when interacting with humans. It is clear zombies lack a
functional frontal lobe due to their impulsive nature and lack of consideration for the
consequences of their actions. In addition, zombies cannot plan complex actions
and therefore get stuck when it comes to opening a door or a window.
Amygdala:
• Functions: primitive emotion center fueling emotions such as fear and rage.
• Because zombies have a dysfunctional frontal lobe, the amygdala, the primitive
emotion center of the brain responsible for our “fight or flight” response, has free
reign. Usually, the frontal lobe sends signals to the amygdala to regulate its activity.
Without those regulatory signals, the amygdala is hyperactive. A hyperactive
amygdala impairs the zombie’s ability to think rationally and make wise decisions,
which can result in intense feelings of fear, rage, and aggression. This drives a
zombie’s need to attack!
• Dr. Schlozman, the author of Zombie Autopsies and host of the YouTube video
provided above, notes that crocodiles are also mostly driven by their amygdala.
Researchers have found if you take out the amygdala of the crocodile, the animal is
significantly less likely to attack and retreat.
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
TEACHER BACKGROUND INFO
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TEACH
* Note: This content is primarily for the instructor’s reference; the accompanying PowerPoint presentation will be for the students.
Zombie Neuroanatomy
Anterior Cingulate Cortex:
• Functions: slows down communication from the amygdala to the frontal lobe.
• Communication from the frontal lobe to the amygdala dampens amygdala responses,
causing you to be more rational. In contrast, communication from the amygdala to
the frontal lobe dampens frontal lobe activity, causing you to behave impulsively. The
cingulate gyrus governs the communication from the amygdala to the frontal lobe.
The anterior portion of this gyrus slows the communication signals from the
amygdala to the frontal lobe, and the posterior portion speeds these signals up. When
your amygdala responds to a threat in your environment causing a fear response, the
anterior cingulate cortex activates to slow communication to the frontal lobe,
allowing you to think the situation through before acting on impulse.
• It is clear zombies have a dysfunctional anterior cingulate cortex because they act
strictly on impulses and emotions such as rage. Dysfunction of the anterior cingulate
cortex allows the posterior cingulate cortex to send strong communication signals
from the amygdala to the frontal lobe. The combination of a hyperactive amygdala
and an inhibited frontal lobe causes zombies to have traits such as hyper-aggression
and to attack without thinking.
Cerebellum:
• Functions: balance and coordination.
• We know that zombies are capable of hunting humans. However, their movements
are off-balance and unsteady. They have a stiff, wide-legged walk and constantly look
like they are going to teeter over. This must be, in part, due to a dysfunctional
cerebellum.
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
TEACHER BACKGROUND INFO
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TEACH
* Note: This content is primarily for the instructor’s reference; the accompanying PowerPoint presentation will be for the students.
Zombie Neuroanatomy
Basal Ganglia:
• Function: coordinating movements, fluidity of movement.
• The basal ganglia is implicated in motor control and fluidity of movement. Our basal
ganglia allows us to do simple tasks, like picking up a glass, and more complicated
tasks, like driving a car. Ultimately, the basal ganglia allows us to put movements
together to achieve a goal. As we discussed above, zombies lack the ability to move
properly. They are clumsy and unable to execute simple motor tasks. Therefore, they
must have an abnormality of the basal ganglia.
Ventromedial Hypothalamus:
• Function: regulates eating behavior by sending hunger and satiety signals.
• The ventromedial hypothalamus is a specific nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is
responsible for sending out hunger and satiety signals to regulate how much we eat.
Zombies are constantly hungry, always looking for a human to prey on. Therefore, the
ventromedial hypothalamus must not be functioning properly, making the zombie
insatiable.
FRONTAL
LOBE
VENTROMEDIAL
HYPOTHALAMUS
ANTERIOR
CINGULATE
CORTEX
BASAL
GANGLIA
CEREBELLUM
AMYGDALA
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
TEACHER BACKGROUND INFO
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TEACH
* Note: This content is primarily for the instructor’s reference; the accompanying PowerPoint presentation will be for the students.
Zombie Neuroanatomy
The Neuron & Neurotransmission:
• Cells within the nervous system are called neurons. Neurons are the basic working
units in the brain designed to communicate with each other to carry out all brain
functions. We have approximately 86 billion in our brains!
• A neuron is made up of three main parts: the dendrites, cell body, and axon. Dendrites
receive information from other neurons while axons send information to other
neurons via electrical signals. The cell body houses the nucleus and cytoplasm.
• The contact point between two neurons where communication occurs is called the
synapse. When a neuron wants to send information, it conducts an electrical impulse
down the axon. Something called the myelin sheath wraps around the axon,
insulating the axon and allowing the electrical impulses to travel faster. Once the
signal reaches the end of the axon—an area called the nerve terminal—chemical
messengers called neurotransmitters are released. Neurotransmitters travel across
the synapse and bind to receptors on the receiving neuron’s dendrites.
• Specific neurotransmitters bind to specific receptors, similar to a lock and key.
Binding of the neurotransmitter to its appropriate receptor acts like an on/off switch
for the receiving neuron.
Neurotransmitter
Re-uptake
mechanism
MITOCHONDRION
CELL BODY
Receptor
NUCLEUS
AXON
Synapse
DENDRITES
NODE OF RANVIER
MYELIN SHEATH
SYNAPSE
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
TEACHER BACKGROUND INFO
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TEACH
* Note: This content is primarily for the instructor’s reference; the accompanying PowerPoint presentation will be for the students.
Zombie Neuroanatomy
Neurotransmitters:
There are many types of neurotransmitters that can have a variety of effects in a
variety of different brain regions. We will touch on a few that will be used in this
lesson plan.
• Glutamate:
- Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Upon binding to
receptors, glutamate excites the receiving neuron and encourages neuronal
activity. Glutamate is thought to enhance brain activity.
• GABA
- GABA inhibits or silences neurons when binding to their receptors. An influx of
GABA into a particular brain region can quiet the activity of that brain region.
• Dopamine
- Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter to signaling pathways in the brain that
govern movement. A deficiency in dopamine can cause symptoms such as
muscle rigidity, tremors, and difficulty making coordinated, fluid movements.
For example, a deficiency of dopamine in the basal ganglia is a main cause of
Parkinson’s, a neurological disorder that affects movement.
- Dopamine also acts in the hypothalamus to help regulate hormone secretion.
• Serotonin
- Serotonin levels increase in the amygdala in response to fear. Therefore, when
you come into contact with a threat in your environment, an influx of serotonin
occurs in the amygdala to promote an emotional response.
- Serotonin signaling also has implications for satiety in the hypothalamus. It is
thought that activation of certain serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus
promotes satiety.
• Norepinephrine
- Norepinephrine is known to be involved in behaviors such as arousal and sleep.
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
TEACHER BACKGROUND INFO
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TEACH
* Note: This content is primarily for the instructor’s reference; the accompanying PowerPoint presentation will be for the students.
Zombie Neuroanatomy
- Interestingly, norepinephrine is also released while under stress. High levels
of norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex can cause dysregulation of
signaling systems and impair functioning of this brain region. Brains of
patients with post-traumatic stress disorder show that the norepinephrine
released during stress continues to remain at high levels in the prefrontal
cortex for an extended amount of time.
Agonists & Antagonists:
• Many drugs act as agonists or antagonists at certain receptor sites.
• An agonist is a chemical that binds to a receptor, mimicking the action of the
neurotransmitter that binds to that receptor site.
• In contrast, an antagonist binds to a receptor, blocking the receptor and preventing
the appropriate neurotransmitter from binding at that site.
• Agonists are used to promote the intended action of the neurotransmitter at its
receptor site, and antagonists are used to block the action.
• For example, a dopamine agonist will bind to dopamine receptors, mimicking the
action of dopamine. In contrast, a dopamine antagonist will bind to dopamine
receptors blocking endogenous dopamine neurotransmitters from binding.
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
TEACHER BACKGROUND INFO
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU TEACH
* Note: This content is primarily for the instructor’s reference; the accompanying PowerPoint presentation will be for the students.
Zombie Neuroanatomy
Hypothetical Drug Example
• Drug Name: Zomban
• Drug actions in the brain and the effect on zombie behavior:
• Glutamate agonist release in the frontal lobe. This will increase brain activity in the
frontal lobe, bringing the frontal lobe online and allowing the frontal lobe to have an
inhibitory effect on the amygdala. This will dampen the zombies’ emotions of rage
and fear and allow them to think more rationally and control their behavior.
• Norepinephrine antagonist to the frontal lobe. This will dampen the stress response in
this brain region and allow the frontal lobe to focus on executive functions such as
problem-solving and reasoning. Again, this will help the zombies behave more
rationally.
• GABA agonist release in the amygdala. This will inhibit brain activity in the amygdala,
dampening emotions of anger and rage.
• Serotonin antagonist to the amygdala to further dampen feelings of fear that cause
zombies to attack.
• Glutamate agonist release in the anterior cingulate cortex. This will increase brain
activity in this brain region helping to inhibit the strong communication signals from
the amygdala to the frontal lobe. This inhibition will help the zombies regulate their
impulsivity and emotional reactions.
• Dopamine agonist to the cerebellum and basal ganglia to aid in movement and
executing motor tasks. This will help improve the zombie gait.
• Serotonin agonist to the ventromedial hypothalamus. This will promote satiety and
help regulate the zombies’ eating behavior.
• This is not an exhaustive list. Other possible drug actions exist. It is at the discretion of the
teacher to create guidelines on how many brain regions and neurotransmitters must be
targeted with the created drug.
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
PROCEDURE
[1] Each student reads 9th-12th grade Dana Foundation fact sheet, “How Does the Brain Work?”
[2] Introduce the exercise using the YouTube video, found in Materials.
• Notes on YouTube video
- This lesson plan was inspired by the book Zombie Autopsies. The author, Dr. Steven
Schlozman, is the host in the YouTube clip. He gives a brief introduction to zombies and
the brain regions that are dysfunctional in them. You will discuss these brain regions in
more detail with the accompanying PowerPoint.
[3] Give the necessary background information from the accompanying PowerPoint presentation.
[4] Introduction to activity
• You have been chosen to help end the Zombie Apocalypse! It’s your job to create a drug that
will cure the dysfunctional parts of the zombie brain. You must use your expert knowledge of
neurotransmission and neuroanatomy to create a cure using agonists and antagonists for the
neurochemicals dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, and norepinephrine. When you are
finished, you will present your cure to your classmates for feedback. Time is of the essence.
Over a million people have already died, and more become infected every day!
[5] Split students into groups.
[6] Provide each group with Skittles in a plastic cup and a brain diagram plus neurotransmitter sheet
(see page 11 & 12). The Skittles will serve as neurotransmitter agonists or antagonists. Students
will place the Skittles in the different brain regions, indicating they would like the drug to send that
specific neurotransmitter agonist or antagonist to that particular brain region. The students do not
have to use all the Skittles.
• Dopamine: purple
• Serotonin: green
• GABA: red
• Glutamate: yellow
• Norepinephrine: orange
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
PROCEDURE
[7] Explain the parameters for drug development.
• Neurotransmitter agonists or antagonists will be targeted to specific brain regions to promote
or inhibit activity of these regions.
• Be sure students know to address: 1) whether the neurochemical is acting as an agonist or
antagonist; and 2) for what neurotransmitter in their presentations.
• Neurotransmitter agonists or antagonists can go to multiple brain regions.
[8] Each group should come up with a creative name for their drug.
[9] Have each group present their drug. The same brain diagram that was handed out to each group to
aid in creating their drug will be in the accompanying PowerPoint. Each group can use this brain
diagram as a visual tool to explain where their drug is acting in the brain.
• Students should address which zombie behaviors their drug targets and the brain regions
associated with those behaviors. How will your drug change or prevent these behaviors?
- Students should explain the actions of their drug in the brain.
• Which neurotransmitter agonists and antagonists were targeted to which brain
regions and why?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Please view the following YouTube video as a brief introduction to the lesson:
Zombie Autopsies 101 by PageTurnerFilms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y42jrDVge9Q
• A collection of neuroscience puzzles and fact sheets for kids in grades K-12 that are available for
download (PDF): www.dana.org/educators
This lesson plan was created in collaboration with Dr. Steven Schlozman, author of “The Zombie Autopsies,” and has been
adapted by Elizabeth Weaver, M.S., and Katie Partrick, M.S., for the Dana Foundation.
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
BRAIN DIAGRAM
FRONTAL LOBE
planning, reasoning,
speech, movement,
and problem solving
communication
ANTERIOR slows
from the amygdala to
CINGULATE the frontal lobe
CORTEX
BASAL
GANGLIA
motor control and
fluidity of movement
VENTROMEDIAL
HYPOTHALAMUS
regulates eating
behavior by sending
hunger and satiety
signals
AMYGDALA
primitive emotion
center, fuels fear and
rage signals
CEREBELLUM
coordination
and balance
Dana.org/lessonplans
ZOMBIE AUTOPSIES
NEUROTRANSMITTER SHEET
Glutamate
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Upon binding to receptors, glutamate
excites the receiving neuron and encourages neuronal activity. Glutamate is thought to enhance brain
activity.
GABA
GABA neurotransmitters inhibit or silence neurons when binding to their receptors. An influx of GABA
into a particular brain region can quiet the activity of that brain region.
Dopamine
Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter to signaling pathways in the brain that govern movement. A
deficiency in dopamine can cause symptoms such as muscle rigidity, tremors and difficulty making
coordinated movements. For example, a deficiency of dopamine in the basal ganglia is a main cause
of Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that affects movement. Dopamine also acts in the
hypothalamus to help regulate hormone secretion.
Serotonin
Serotonin levels increase in the amygdala in response to fear. Therefore, when you come into contact
with a threat in your environment an influx of serotonin occurs in the amygdala to promote an
emotional response. Serotonin signaling also has implications for satiety in the hypothalamus. It is
thought that activation of certain serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus promotes satiety.
Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is known to be involved in behaviors such as arousal and sleep. Interestingly,
norepinephrine is also released while under stress. High levels of norepinephrine in the prefrontal
cortex can cause dysregulation of signaling systems and impair functioning of this brain region.
Brains of patients with PTSD show that the norepinephrine released during stress continues to
remain at high levels in the prefrontal cortex for an extended amount of time.
Dana.org/lessonplans